Infectious Colitis & Diarrhoea

Question 1

What is the most common cause of acute diarrhoea in the general population?

Answer 1

Viral gastroenteritis caused predominantly by norovirus and rotavirus

Norovirus is more common in adults, while rotavirus is more common in children.

Question 2

List the common conditions that cause gastroenteritis.

Answer 2

• Campylobacter jejuni
• Salmonella spp.
• Shigella spp.
• Escherichia coli
• Rotavirus
• Norovirus

Question 3

What are the clinical presentations of gastroenteritis?

Answer 3

• Frequent, loose bowel movements
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• +/- Blood and mucus in stool

Question 4

How is gastroenteritis transmitted?

Answer 4

Faecal-oral route through contaminated food or water

This transmission mode highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene.

Question 5

What defines viral gastroenteritis?

Answer 5

Acute inflammation of stomach lining and small intestine from viral infection

Question 6

What is the typical duration of viral gastroenteritis?

Answer 6

Self-limiting, less than 14 days

Question 7

What are the clinical features of viral gastroenteritis?

Answer 7

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Question 8

What is the primary management strategy for viral gastroenteritis?

Answer 8

Preventing and correcting dehydration

This is crucial due to the risk of fluid loss from diarrhoea and vomiting.

Question 9

What are the features of bacterial gastroenteritis?

Answer 9

• Fever
• Bloody, watery diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain

Question 10

What is a significant risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection?

Answer 10

Antibiotic use

Question 11

Antibiotic used to treat Campylobactor jejuni

Answer 11

Clarithromycin

Question 12

Which bacteria most often causes travellers diarrhoea?

Answer 12

E. Coli (also giardiasis - note more prolonged intubation)

Question 13

Which systemic condition may be triggered by an E. Coli infection, particularly in children?

Answer 13

Haemolytic uraemia syndrome